By Corrections1 Staff
FREEPORT, Texas — A Texas police department is holding an investigation after a four-year old videotape surfaced showing a former cop slapping and tapping the head of a cuffed inmate, according to Click2Houston.
The offender, Kristopher Stapleston was arrested on public intoxication charges and was handcuffed and waiting to be processed at Freeport city jail.
The video shows Stapleston and Sgt. Jay Newton exchanging heated words before Newton walks over and taps Stapleston on the head before giving him a slap.
The video was leaked by Newton’s wife, who was allegedly using the tape as a bargaining tool during their divorce. Officials say they suspect Newton had taken the video out of the facility and was keeping it in his home.
Newton, a 21-year-veteran resigned before officials could launch their internal investigation. He’s being charged with tampering with police evidence, official oppression, assault and violation of standard of conduct.
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